Objective To analyze the relationship between the expression of protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) and the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods 62 patients with de novo AML (case group) and 10 patients with iron deficiency anemia (control group) were enrolled in this study. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of POT1 in AML patients. Results There were 62 de novo AML patients, including 2 cases M1, 14 cases M2, 12 cases M3, 14 cases M4, 17 cases M5, 2 cases M6 and 1 case AML without classification. According to the risk stratification, high risk group (24 cases), medium risk group (22 cases) and low risk group (16 cases) were divided. Compared with that in the controls, POT1 expression levels in patients with AML were significantly decreased both in mRNA and protein level (P< 0.05). The relative expression levels of POT1 mRNA and protein in patients with M2, M4 and M5 were significantly lower than those in the controls (P< 0.05). The expression levels of POT1 in high risk group, medium risk group and low risk group were significantly decreased than those in the controls (P<0.05). Compared with that in the controls, The relative POT1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in M3 patients (P< 0.05), but not in protein level. POT1 protein expression was showed both in the cytoplasm and nucleus. There was no significant difference of the expression of POT1 protein between cytoplasm and nucleus (P> 0.05). Conclusions POT1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AML. POT1 protein expresses in both cytoplasm and nucleus, and the regulatory mechanism may be related to the telomere length.

Objective To study the effect of allo-human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on T and B cells from patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in vitro. Methods BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow samples of healthy volunteers and purified by density gradient centrifugation and cultured in vitro. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated from patients with RA.Then, BMSCs and lymphpcutes were co-cultured. The modulatory effect of BMSCs on proliferation, activation and maturation of T and B lymphocytes of RA patients stimulated by PHA and SAC respectively was observed. The cell generation cycle and the degree of apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry with PI/ Annexin V. After co-cultured with or without BMSCs for 72 hours, T cells were harvested, then they were labeled with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD25 antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. The density of IgG in the co-culture system was detected by ELISA. Results T and B cells proliferation was significantly suppressed when co-cuhured with bMSCs but did not induce T cell apoptosis. There was a significant decrease in the ratio of CD4+ CD3+ T cells in the co-cuhure group (34±6), as compared with the control group (44±7) (P<0.05). There was a decrease in CD25+ T cells and increase of CD4+ CD25+ cells in BMSCs co-cultured group (P<0.05). IgG was in creased in the cocuhure system. Conclusion Human BMSCs inhibit T and B cell activation and proliferation in patients with RA in vitro. And these immunomodulatory effects are not MHC restricted. The results of this study have provided evidence for the fact that BMSCs has the potential to be an effective treatment for RA.

Objective To investigate the distribution status of coal-burning fluorosis (endemic fluorosis) areas in Luoyang and to provide scientifc evidence for making strategies in prevention and control. Methods In 2006, a household per village was chosen to carry the general survey so as of disease condition, living habits and housing structure among 941 coal-burning pollution fluorine sickness natural villages in Yanshi, Mengjin, Xin'an, Luanchuan counties and Geely area which were under the jurisdiction of Luoyang. In the general survey, the sampled village having a population of more than 500 person was considered as a major survey village, and water fluoride, 8 - 12 year-old child fluorine spot on tooth and the urinary fluoride were surveyed. Water fluoride and the child urinary fluoride determination used the fluoride ion selective electrode method, and the children's dental fluorosis used Dean method. Results The endemic fluorosis of Luoyang existed 742 in endemic fluomsis villages, compared with history, a decrease of 199 in number. Ninety-six point seven per cent( 142 543/147 419) of the households were consuming smoke-free coal. Households using intact kitchens accounted for 93.6%( 137 919/147 419). Of which 63.0%(86 889/137 919) of kitchens were mixed up with bedrooms. Total 125 060 people were using coal- fired furnace for heating, of which 87.8%(109 802/125 060) had smoke-free facilities, 12.2%(15 258/125 060) had none. Among 52 endemic villages with population of more than 500 people surveyed, a total of 183 water samples were collected, 2 had water fluoride exceeding 1.0 rag/L, the highest water fluoride being 1.04 rag/L, averaging 0.39 mg/L Sixteen villages had a prevalence rate of dental fluorosis for children less than 30.00%, accounting for 30.8% (16/52), 36 endemic villages the prevalence of dental fluorosis detection rate of more than 30.00%, accounting for 69.2%(36/52). Twenty-thrce villages had a dental fluorosis index greater than 0.6, severe dental fluorosis was not found. Real-time measurement of 1408 urine samples of children aged 8 - 12 showed that urine fluoride highest value 6.88 nag/L, the minimum value of 0.10 mg/L, geometric mean 1.10 mg/L. The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis for children was 36.06%. Conclusions In Luoyang city, numbers of coal-burning endemic fluorosis villages are less than before, children's dental fluorosis has significantly declined, however some people still use kitchens connecting with bedrooms and lack smoke-free facilities, they need to be educated to change lifestyle and improve furnace to reduce soot fluoride pollution.

Purpose To analyze the perfusion differences of different pancreatic diseases using the low-dose whole organ dynamic volume CT perfusion imaging, and to provide the evidence for the clinical application. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight patients suspected as pancreatic disease were applied by 640 layer volume CT perfusion imaging for the pancreas. Data were collected at the same time of bolus injection of contrast agent, then were analyzed by spatial alignment and perfusion calculation using the perfusion software. The time-density curve, blood perfusion flow diagram and tissue artery blood flow were obtained using the maximum slope method. Results Normal pancreatic tissue (n=9) blood flow was (117.04±12.05) ml/(min?100 ml), pancreatitis organizations (6 cases with acute pancreatitis and 3 cases with chronic pancreatitis) (118.67±37.18) ml/(min?100 ml), pancreatic carcinoma tissue (n=10) was (67.16±18.94) ml/(min?100 ml). There was significant difference among three groups (F=8.59, P<0.001);the difference was demonstrated in pancreatic cancer vs. normal pancreas and pancreatic cancer vs. pancreatitis group (q=3.70, P<0.05), which could be clearly demonstrated by blood perfusion flow diagram. The difference was not statistically revealed pancreatitis and normal pancreas group (q=2.91, P>0.05). The total dose of X-rays in the whole scanning process was 21.5-23.9 mSv. Conclusion Low-dose whole pancreas organ CT perfusion scan can quantitatively analyze the hemodynamic changes in pancreatic disease, which be of great value for evaluating changes in microcirculation during the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Objective To detect the characteristics of benign infantile seizures.Methods Fifty seven cases of benign infantile seizures were analyzed.Results All patients had a normal development before and after the onset of the seizures.The age of onset was from 1.5-30 months.The main manifestations included tonic clonic seizure,staring and motion arrest,64.9 % occurred in clusters.A family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures was present in 6 cases.Interictel electroen cephalograms were normal.The seizures were easily ceased after taking phenobarbital,carbamazepine or valproate.Antiepileptic drugs(AEDs)were discontinued in 51 patients.The mean ages of seizure stopping were 12.8 months and mean seizure′s durations were 4.1 months.Conclusion The benign infantile seizures can be easily controlled with a single AEDs for short time with favorable prognosis.

Objective To assess the vaIue of speckle tracking imaging (STI) in quantifying the regional myocardial strain in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) group.Methods ① Sixty subjects were divided into SLE group and normal group.High frame rate two-dimensional images were recorded from the apical two-chamber view,long-axis view and four-chamber view of the left ventricle (LV).Peak systolic strain of each view of 18 segments were measured by automated functional imaging (AFI) software of 2-DSE.All parameters were compared between the two groups.② Twenty cases were randomly taken from the normal group.The same observer at different times and two observers measure the strain of left ventricular respectively.The results of the measurement between the two groups were compared with unpaired t test and its relevance was analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis.ResultsLeft ventricular two-dimensional longitudinal strain gradually increased from the base to apex in the normal group.There were statistically differences between the apical segments and the basal,middle segments of every left ventricular wall (P＜0.05).The same wall segment time to peak myocardial systolic peak strain was consistent.Left ventricular two-dimensional longitudinal strain gradually increased from the base to apex in the SLE group,except for the anterio-septal and anterior wall [ (-18.7±4.2)％,(-16.3±9.4)％,(-18.1±10.5)％ vs (-19.0±9.0)％,(-18.6±7.9)％,(-17.7±1.4)％ ].There was no statistically significant difference between the apical segments and the basal,middle segments of every left ventricular wall(P＞0.05).All parameters of S were significantly higher in the normal group than those of the SLE group.The difference was statistically signoficant (P＜0.05).The time to peak systolic peak strain of every segments was not consistent.The results from the same observer at different times and peak systolic myocardial strain measurements by the two observers were correlated well(P＜0.01).Conclusion The myocardial function assessment by STI technology in the SLE patients is significantly different from that of the normal control:SLE patients with left ventricular myocardial damage can be manifested as reduced regional myocardial systolic peak strain.

The study was conducted to explore the response of growth and yield of Tulipa edulis to flower bud removal and artificial pollination. And flower bud removal and artificial pollination were carried out in the squaring period and bloom stage respectively. The morphological index and biomass indicators were determined and the yield was counted in harvest time. Result showed that flower bud removal was beneficial to the growth of T. edulis, resulting in increasing growth index, biomass as well as the yield of bulb. The diameter and dry weight of T. edulis fruit by artificial pollination were increased significantly compared with the control. Seed setting percentage increased to 100%, and the number of seed as well as the single grain weight increased by 69.03% and 16.48%, respectively, which did not significantly affect the bulb production. In conclusion, Flower bud removal treatment accelerates bulb biomass increase, so as to improve its yield. Artificial pollination raised significantly seed setting percentage, seed number as well as the single grain weight.
Biomass ; Botany ; methods ; Flowers ; growth & development ; physiology ; Pollen ; growth & development ; physiology ; Pollination ; Tulipa ; growth & development ; physiology

Objective To evaluate the value of immunophenotype in diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Methods The immunophenotype of bone marrow cells in 27 patients with MDS were detected by monoclonal antibody by flow cytometry.Results As the progression of the disease,CD34 positive cells gradually increased:refractory anemia/ring sideroblasts refractory anemia (RA/ AS) 7.43 %,refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) 36.81%,refractory anemia with excess of blasts transformed (RAEB-T)56.45 %,and the differences were statistically significant (P ＜0.05); the expressions of CD33+,CD13 and HLA-DR increased gradually,the expressions of CD14 and CD15 antigens gradually decreased,the difference of three groups was statistically significant (P ＜0.05),the differences between RA/RAS and RAEB-T,RAEB and RAEB-T were statistically significant (P ＜0.05); the expression of CD19 and CD10 decreased and the expression of CD7 increased (RA/RAS 2.63 %,RAEB 10.79 % and RAEB-T 11.00 %) with the progression of the disease,the difference of three groups was statistically significant (F =10.439,P ＜0.05),the differences between RA/RAS and RAEB,RA/RAS and RAEB-T were statistically significant (P ＜0.05).Conclusion The detection of immunophenotype of bone marrow cella in patients with MDS contributes to the diagnosis,classification and prognosis of MDS.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of arsenite-induced permeability transition pore (PTP) opening and the role of Ca(2+). in As(2)O(3)-induced PTP opening.

METHODThe mitochondria were prepared from Wistar rat liver and mitochondrial swelling was assessed spectrophotometrically at 540 nm to evaluate PTP opening. The membrane potential of the mitochondria was measured with fluorescence spectrophotometry.

RESULTSPTP opening was induced with 10 micromol/L As(2)O(3) in the presence of 10 micromol/L Ca(2+), and the absorbance at 540 nm of the mitochondria did not decrease in response to exclusive treatment with 10 micromol/L As(2)O(3), or to 10 micromol/L As(2)O(3) plus 10 micromol/L Ca(2+) treatment with 0.5 mmol/L EGTA pretreatment. Treatment with As(2)O(3) at 0, 5, 10 and 20 micromol/L in the presence of 50, 20, 10 and 5 micromol/L Ca(2+), respectively, resulted in decreased absorbance at 540 nm of the mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONCa(2+) mediates As(2)O(3)-induced PTP opening. As(2)O(3) lowers Ca(2+) threshold necessary for eliciting PTP opening and thereby regulates cell apoptosis.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Mitochondria, Liver ; drug effects ; physiology ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins ; drug effects ; physiology ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of inflammatory reaction mediated by p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) signal path on prevention and treatment of Parkinson disease (PD) model rats by electroacupuncture (EA).

METHODSThirty-two healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, eight rats in each one. The PD model was established in the model group and EA group by subcutaneous injection of rotenone in skin-back area (2 mg/kg, dissolved in sunflower oil, 2 mg/mL in density), while the injection of sunflower oil emulsion without rotenone at the same point and quantity as the model group was applied in the sham operation group. The normal group was not given any intervention. The EA treatment (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity, 20 min) was applied at "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) in the EA group, once a day for continuously 14 days. No treatment was given in the other groups. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphorylated p38-MAPK, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the substantia nigra were detected with immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSThere was typical PD ethology change in the model group. Compared with the normal group and sham operation group, the expression of TH positive neuron in the substantia nigra in the model group was significantly decreased, while the expression of phosphorylated p38-MAPK and COX-2 were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of TH positive neuron in the EA group was apparently increased, while the expression of phosphorylated p38-MAPK and COX-2 were significantly decreased (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe EA therapy could obviously reduce the expression of inflammation mediator COX-2, inhibit the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK, reduce the damage of dopaminergic neurons in the rats with PD, and this effect may be related with the impact of p38-MAPK signal path

Animals ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Male ; Parkinson Disease ; enzymology ; genetics ; therapy ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Substantia Nigra ; enzymology ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase ; genetics ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism